Overview

Starting in January 2012, Afghanistan experienced its most severe winter in 15 years, characterized by above-average snowfall and temperatures descending to -18 degrees Celsius in some areas.

43 people died and 65 were injured as a result of avalanches and extreme cold temperatures in 10 districts of Badakhshan province (OCHA, 31 Jan 2012). In February, 54 children died from ARI / Pneumonia in four remote and inaccessible districts of Badakhshan province (OCHA, 29 Feb 2012). Avalanches continued to kill and injure people through March.